Facade Improvement Grant Program 2018 – 2019

Facade Improvement Grant Program 2018 – 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2018

CITY OF TRACY DOWNTOWN FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION RELEASED

Tracy, Calif. – The City of Tracy is pleased to announce the release of grant funds to assist in the restoration, renovation, and repair of commercial buildings in Downtown Tracy. The Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to encourage private investment in the visual improvement of commercial storefronts, signs, and awnings, while restoring the original character of historic buildings and providing a catalyst for others to improve the visual appearance of their privately owned buildings.

The program eligible boundaries in the downtown area include commercial properties fronting Central Avenue between 6th Street and 11th Street, commercial properties fronting 10th Street between A Street and Central Avenue, commercial properties fronting B Street between 10th Street and 11th Street, and commercial properties fronting 6th Street between C Street and D Street. These areas mirror the Tracy City Center Association Downtown District boundaries.

Grant funds are available as part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Grant funds may be used to reimburse approved applicants for up to 50% of the actual costs of improving the exterior of their owned or occupied commercial building with a maximum grant award of up to $2,000 for sign and awning projects, and up to $50,000 for full exterior storefront renovation projects. A minimum of 50% private matching funds are required for program qualification.

“Many of the buildings in Downtown Tracy are nearly 100 years old, which means renovations can be very costly,” said Dino Margaros, President of the Tracy City Center Association. “The City’s Façade Improvement Grant Program provides much needed funding to help incentivize private investment in these older buildings, which will ultimately bring new vitality to our downtown and assist in the attraction of new business.”

An informational workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 from 4:00 -5:00 p.m.at City Hall in Room 109. Completed applications are due to the City’s Economic Development Division, Tracy City Hall, 333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy, CA 95376, by 4:00 PM, Thursday, August 30, 2018. Interested parties should contact City of Tracy Economic Development at (209) 831-6490.